Before You Begin (Post-Admission Process)

My.boisestate.edu account

When your application was originally processed, you received a notification letter from the Graduate College containing your username, student ID number, and Boise State email address. Set up your my.boisestate account by going to my.boisestate.edu using the login information provided in the letter. My.boisestate.edu is your source for all of your campus information. You can access your email, calendar, course websites, student center and much more through this portal.

Email

Boise State students receive email via BroncoMail. Your BroncoMail address is typically your first and last name followed by @u.boisestate.edu. If you are appointed a Graduate Assistant (GA), you will also receive an employee email address, typically your first and last name followed by @boisestate.edu. Please note that employee accounts are immediately deactivated if your employment is suspended (e.g., you receive a fellowship or experience a lapse in funding). You are responsible for checking both accounts and ensuring that you remain accessible by email.

All students are required to use their official student email account (ending in @u.boisestate.edu) for communication with University employees, programs, and departments once admitted.

GA students may choose to forward their employee account to their student account for ease of management, but forwarding in the opposite direction (student → employee) is not permitted. The University does not recommend automatic forwarding of student or employee emails to personal accounts.

Student email accounts are terminated 90 days after degree completion, while employee accounts are terminated upon separation from University employment. Maintaining active use of your University-assigned accounts ensures timely access to official announcements, academic information, and employment communications.

Housing

Limited apartment housing is available on and near campus through University Housing, however, you must apply early. 

Some off-campus listings, sub-lease, and roommate postings can be found on https://rentoffcampus.boisestate.edu/

If you are using Craigslist or Classified Ads, common searches for housing near the university (less than three miles away from campus) include BSU, Downtown Boise, East End, North End, the Bench and Southeast Boise. 

Register for classes

• • Students should enroll in courses as soon as they are eligible to do so. Many classes fill up early so please register as early as possible. Follow the instructions here to see if it's time for you to enroll: https://www.boisestate.edu/registrar-help/view-enrollment-appointment/

  • Please review the degree requirements for your area of emphasis to determine what you need to enroll in for fall semester. Visit the program website and select your area under the “Emphases Areas” section. Consult with your assigned faculty advisor if you have questions about which classes to take.

  • Detailed instructions on how to search for and add courses are available here: https://www.boisestate.edu/registrar-help/search-classes/

  • All new students are required to enroll in COMPUT 601 Introduction to Graduate Studies. 

  • Graduate College policy requires domestic students with a Graduate Assistantship to register for at least five (5) credits per semester. International students with a Graduate Assistantship must take at least nine (9) credits per semester.

The co-directors will discuss degree requirements in further depth during orientation, and you’ll compile a detailed degree plan (available on our Computing PhD Forms webpage) mapping out your coursework and program milestones (Comprehensive Exam, Dissertation Proposal, Defense, Graduation). 

Complete the Student Directory Form

Please complete the Student Directory form by the end of July so we can add you to the Computing PhD Student Directory on the website.

1. Visit the Program Coordinator

Brenda Baker is the Computing PhD Program Coordinator. Her office is located in downtown Boise in the City Center Plaza Building, Room 353. The Program Coordinator can provide you with information and guidance on room and building access, payroll and resources available to you. Labs, workspace and other resources will vary based on your area of emphasis. 

2. Complete your employment documents (for students with a Graduate Assistantship) 

Some items (Federal Form I-9, Employee Information Form) must be completed on or before your first day of employment. Other items (W-4 Tax Form, Direct Deposit, and Compliance Certification) must be completed immediately after you begin employment. Check the Boise State New Employee website for a complete listing of immediate action items. Please be aware that the hiring process does include a background check. 

**Note: Tax rates on paychecks will fluctuate throughout the year. During the summer (or anytime you are not enrolled as a student), taxes are withheld at a higher percentage than during periods of student enrollment.** 

3. Obtain your "Bronco Card" (your official Boise State University identification card)

After completing your employment documents at Human Resources, take your Student ID # and valid photo ID to the Information Desk in the Student Union Building to obtain your BroncoCard. Your BroncoCard gives you card reader access to City Center Plaza, select laboratories and study areas. You will use your BroncoCard to access the Recreation Center, purchase meal plans, and more.

Find out more about obtaining your BroncoCard here: https://www.boisestate.edu/infodesk/

4. Purchase a Parking Pass if you plan to park on campus 

Parking on University Drive and other city-maintained streets is permitted without a Boise State parking permit. Signs posted on city-maintained streets describe any restrictions. Otherwise, parking on campus requires a Boise State parking permit. 

Access information about parking permits and find out more about transportation options here: https://www.boisestate.edu/publicsafety-transportation/

**Students who will work in Computer Science facilities in Downtown Boise should review the specific transportation and parking options available for City Center Plaza.